Go-kart
A go-kart, also written as go-cart (often referred to as simply a kart), is a type of small sports car, close wheeled car, open-wheel car or quadracycle. Go-karts come in all shapes and forms, from non-motorised models to high-performance racing karts. Karting is a type of racing in which a compact four-wheel unit called a go-kart is used. Art Ingels created the first go-kart in Los Angeles in 1956.[1]
Etymology
The exact origin of the term is unclear. One of the first appearances of the term is an 1885 painting by the Scottish artist
Non-motorised
Motorised
Engines
Traditionally, small
Four-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial based engines, sometimes with small modifications, developing from about 5 to 20 hp (4 to 15 kW). Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh (company closed in 2008), Kohler, Robin, and Honda are manufacturers of such engines. They are adequate for racing and fun kart applications. There are also more powerful two-stroke engines available from manufacturers like Yamaha, KTM, Biland, or Aixro (Wankel engine) offering from 15 to 48 hp (11 to 36 kW). They run at up to 11,000 rpm, and are manufactured specifically for karting. PRD makes the PRD Fireball, a two-stroke engine delivering 28.5 hp (21 kW) at 15,580 rpm.
In some countries, go-karts can be licensed for use on public roads often referred to as street tracks. Typically there are some restrictions; in the European Union, a go-kart modified for use on the road must be outfitted with headlights (high/low beam), tail lights, a horn, indicators, and an engine not exceeding 20 hp (15 kW).
Recreational, concession and indoor karts
Besides traditional kart racing, many commercial enterprises offer karts for rent, often called "recreational" or "concession" karts. The tracks can be indoor or outdoor. Karts are rented by sessions (usually from 10 to 30 minutes) or on a day basis.[5] They use sturdy chassis complete with dedicated bodywork, providing driver safety. Most of these enterprises use an "Arrive and Drive" format which provides customers with all the safety gear (helmets, gloves and driver outfits) necessary, and allow them to show up anytime to race, without the problem of having to own their own equipment and gear.
Outdoor
Indoor kart tracks can be found in many large cities in different parts of the world. These tracks are often located in refurbished factories or warehouses, and are typically shorter than traditional outdoor tracks. Indoor karts are usually powered by a four-stroke gasoline engine producing anywhere from 5 to 13 hp (4 to 10 kW), or sometimes by an electric motor. Many tracks offer competitive races and leagues. At the top level, an Indoor Karting World Championship (IKWC)[6] exists.
There is a separate category of go karts in the powersports industry that includes off road go karts. These are similar to a miniature dune buggy. Off road go karts typically feature large tires, a full roll cage, heavy duty suspension, and featured to protect the riders from wind and mud. There are no longer any American made offroad buggy brands due to legal issues, so all brands will come from China. The top ranked brand of off road go karts is Trailmaster, owned by BV Powersports out of Texas. Although there are some brick and mortar dealers around the country, Trailmaster go karts are typically sold online.
Other brands of offroad go karts include Coleman, Tao Tao, Kandi, and Hammerhead (now owned by Polaris).
See also
References
- ^ "Go Kart History". gokartwiki.com/.
- ^ Hugh Cameron
- ^ Dickens, Charles. Master Humphrey's Clock and Pictures from Italy.
- ^ Forze hydrogen karts Archived 2014-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Karty Party". www.kartyparty.co.uk.
- ^ "What is Go Karting". xtmmotorsports.com/blog/what-is-go-karting/.